I think we can all agree that Queen, Yes and Bowie (at least one incarnation of his eclectic career) share the stage of quintessential progressive rock bands. Their music was all about big riffs, deep lyrics and an odd visual quality to the music that really brought things up a notch for an entire generation and even today. However, these bands may have to pass the torch to newcomer Ludo, who brings the musicality and showmanship to carry on the prog tradition with a modern and unique fusion that really brings a new twist to their sound.

This St. Louis, MO-based quintet has been working its way up the ladder for years. Ludo first formed with a vocal and guitar duet between lead singer Andrew Volpe and guitarist Tim Ferrell playing their off brand of humor infused rock ‘n' roll. Through the years, they have added the rest of the members and began their impressive tradition of almost constant touring. They have won contests to play at Warped Tour, the South By Southwest mega-music festival and they even got a video produced by Fuse (who also named Ludo "The Next Big Thing"). They just finished their second studio album, "You're Awful, I Love You," which was released at the end of February across the country. If you want to get a good feel for the band's eccentric humor, look for the video for their newest single "Love Me Dead" on Youtube (make sure to read the lyrics beforehand, they're awesome).

Although the name may have come from a giant muppet in the cinema classic "Labyrinth," Ludo definitely have some serious musical skill. Their newest album is no slouch either; the hits abound. The band definitely likes to have fun with songs like "Go-Getter Greg" that describes "that guy" who keeps calling and trying to be your special someone. One of my personal favorites, "In Space," keeps a convincing metaphor going through the use of inventive prose, space-age synthesizer music and their constantly rocking riffs to describe the alienation and loneliness when partners in a relationship grow apart. The ballads "Streetlights" and "Topeka" are oddly touching in an everyman kind of way and moving music that complement the lyrics perfectly. The single "Love Me Dead" is also an excellent place to start, with funny lyrics and great prog-inspired melodies that discuss the self-destructive nature of love/hate relationships. Wherever you decide to begin, this album has something to offer for everyone.

If you aren't convinced to download at least a couple tracks off this album, then all hope is lost for your musical salvation. Ludo is a great band that definitely has a bright future ahead of it, and hopefully, they can pick up the torch from the recent downfall of Motion City Soundtrack. Even if you haven't been following the band since "Good Will Hunting By Myself" (also worth a look), you should definitely pick up "You're Awful, I Love You" because its quirky lyrical style and diverse music samplings will keep your friends jealous and you smiling for months to come.